FCP ready for Champs Leaguie Norman Mapeza
Norman Mapeza

Norman Mapeza

Mukudzei Chingwere Midlands Bureau
FC Platinum have declared themselves ready for their second dance with the CAF Champions League following the conclusion of their international friendly soccer matches on Saturday.

FC Platinum played three international friendly matches against Mozambican giants Ferroviario de Beira and Zambian sides Nkana Red Devils and Zanaco to give the players a feel of international football before plunging into the African jungle. The Zimbabwean champions will play their first match in Africa’s premier club competition on Sunday away in Angola against Clube Desportivo de Agosto.

In the three international friendly matches they played, the Zimbabwean champions only scored one goal, but coach Norman Mapeza said he expected it in pre-season with his charges still to shake-off the rust of off-season.

After their last international friendly match against Nkana, the two-time championship winning coach, Mapeza, declared that his charges are now ready for the African safari.

“It was a good performance from the guys and at the end of the day it is not about results we are just preparing. I have been happy ever since even when we lost against Zanaco, the guys did well they played good football. It is pre-season those mistakes are bound to happen the guys are not sharp yet but in terms of performance I think we are now ready.

“If you look at our game against Feroviaro there were so many opportunities we should have won by two or three goals. That we are creating chances is a positive sign. Against Zanaco we had so many good opportunities especially in the first half and that was a good sign again.

“This game (against Nkana) again we had many opportunities, we defended very well, we never gave them any opportunity to trouble Wallace (Magalane) for the whole 90 minutes. So we are there, there is that sharpness we just need to polish. We are ready now, like I said, I think 95 percent we are ready,” said Mapeza.

Mapeza gave his new signings a run in the three matches and the likes of Rahman Kutsanzira, Kelvin Madzongwe, Edwin Madanhanga, Jameson Mukombwe and returning Lawrence Mhlanga had a very good showing. But it was Jimmy Tigere who proved he was the signing of the close season, justifying the investment made by the Zvishavane platinum miners on him.

Meanwhile, FC Platinum have also signed former Dynamos striker Farai Mupasari from cross town rivals Shabanie Mine, but he will not play Champions League matches.

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